The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-10-15
siamese Amazons.
London Cor. Chicago Tribune.

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London Cor. Chicago Tribune.
Among the other visitors to the exhibi-
tion has been the Prince of Siam, brother
to the King. He is little man, but has an
olive complexion and black eyes, speaks
English perfectly and has charming man
ners. As an example Of one of the good
results of the American exhibition, during
his visit he made most careful inspection
of the goods in the main building and spent
thousands of dollars on all the useful things
he saw which were up to the present time
unknown to Siam. He gave an order for
100 typewriters to one manufacturer, a
large order for safes to another, ordered four
dozen carpet sweepers, steam engine, and
a number of other ingenious things which
attracted his attention, SO that these exhib-
itors have the satisfaction of knowing that
they have opened a market for themselves
in Siam at no greater expense than going to
the American exhibition. The fashion
having been set by the prince, large orders
for all these goods he assured them would
follow; it would therefore appear that the
people in his country, which very few of
us stop to realize is twice as large in its area
as France, and has population of about
l5,OOO,0 1000 people, are all making rapid
strides toward modern civilization.
He gave us some curious information,
however, about the Kings amazons, the
Royal Guard being composed entirely of
women. This battalion consists of 400
women, chosen from among the handsomest
and most robust girls in the country. They
receive excellent pay, and their discipline is
perfect. They are admitted to'serye at the
age of 13, and are placed in the army of
reserve at the age of %. From that period
they no longer serve aboutthe King person,
but are employed to guard the royal pal
aces and the crown lands.
On entering the army the amazons mako
vow of chastity, for which there is no ex-
emption unless any of them should attract
the King attention and be admitted among
his legitimate wives The Kings choice
seldom falls on the most beautiful, but on
the most skilled in military exercise. The
costume these women wear is very rich.
Their full dress is composed of white wool
en- robe, embroidered with gold The cloth
is extremely fine and descends as far as the
knee; it is covered with light coat of mail
and gilt cuirass The arms are free, and
the head is covered with giit eas1ue,
When wearing this dress on state occasions
their only weapon Is lance, which they
handle with wonderful dexterity. With
their undress they are armed with musket.
The battalion is composed of four companies,
and each company of 100 women, comman-
ded by captain of their own SEX Should
the captain die accompany is drilled during
three days by the King, who appoints the
most competent to succeed to the command.
The King of Siam never undertakes any
expedition without being accompanied by
his female guard, nor does he ever hunt, or
even ride, without an escort of the same
guard, who are devotedly attached to his
person. Every individual of the battalion
has FIVE negresses attached to her service,
and, having thus no domestic occupation,
she can devote herself exclusively to the
duties of her profession. There is parade
ground near the city, whore one company
are stationed for two days every week to ex-
ercise themselves in the use of the lance, the
pistol and erife. The King attends once
month at those exercises, accompanied by
his brother, who shares in some degree the
sovereign power, and distributes prizes to
those most deserving. When the death of
one of the parties ensues, the deceased re-
ceives magnificent funeral and the high
priest pronounces panegyric, declaring that
the deceasedby her valor has merited ater-
nal rest in tha abode of the blessed. The
survivor receives the congratulations of her
companions but as measure of discipline,
she Is sentenced to pass two months away
from her company in fasting and prayer.
The military organization of this battalion
Ia so perfect that the entire army endeavors
to initiate it.